‘Emilia Perez’ stars Adriana Paz (far left), Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana and Karla Gascon celebrate their Golden Globes win for best comedy/musical and supporting actress for Saldana, at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards 2025. Photo: USA Today
Sunday night's Golden Globes lit up Hollywood with a dazzling mix of predictable wins, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments. From standout performances by Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña to shocking upsets that left fan favorites like Anora and The Wild Robot empty-handed, the night was anything but boring. Comedian Nikki Glaser took the helm as host, proving that a sharp sense of humor and perfect timing can elevate the show to unforgettable heights.
While veteran stars like Demi Moore and Colin Farrell shone brightly, new frontrunners emerged, and The Brutalist stole the spotlight with multiple wins, solidifying its place as an awards-season heavyweight. 'The Brutalist' won the ‘ best drama’.
Here’s the scoop on the evening’s most jaw-dropping moments.
Fernanda Torres’ Stunning Win Leaves Hollywood in Awe
The biggest shock of the night? Fernanda Torres clinching the award for Best Actress in a Drama for her haunting portrayal in I’m Still Here. Her role as a woman navigating the trauma of her husband’s disappearance during Brazil’s military dictatorship struck a chord with audiences and voters alike. Torres’ win wasn’t just unexpected; it was electrifying.
With competitors like Angelina Jolie (Maria) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) in the mix, presenter Viola Davis described the category as “iconic.” Torres’ heartfelt acceptance speech and deeply moving performance have thrown this year’s Best Actress race wide open.
‘The Brutalist’ star Adrien Brody (left) poses with his award for the best drama actor and parents Eliot Brody and Sylvia Plachy at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Photo: USA Today
Demi Moore Proves She’s More Than Popcorn
Demi Moore’s victory in the Musical or Comedy category for The Substance was another highlight of the night. Beating frontrunners Cynthia Erivo and Mikey Madison, Moore’s emotional speech revealed that this was her first acting award in a decades-long career. Reflecting on being labeled a “popcorn actress” early on, she quipped, “That producer is probably eating his words somewhere right now.”
Moore’s performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress making drastic life decisions, has sparked Oscar buzz. If her acceptance speech is anything to go by, she’s ready for awards season domination.
Barry Adelman, from left, Nikki Glaser, Helen Hoehne, and Glenn Weiss roll out the red carpet during the 82nd Golden Globes press preview on Thursday, Jan 02, 2025. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Sebastian Stan’s Winning Moment
Hot on the heels of Moore’s win, Sebastian Stan snagged a Globe for his role in A Different Man. Playing a neurotic actor transformed by an experimental procedure, Stan’s layered performance beat out frontrunner Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain). His double nomination, which included a nod for The Apprentice, might have sealed the deal.
From left: Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton, Sunday, Jan 5, 2025.
“Emilia Pérez” Dances to Victory
The quirky operetta Emilia Pérez defied the odds, taking home Best Musical/Comedy. With a bold storyline about a cartel leader undergoing gender-affirming surgery, the Netflix film danced past heavyweights like Wicked and Anora. Its multiple wins, including Best Supporting Actress and Original Song, have cemented its position as a frontrunner for the rest of the awards season.
“Wicked” Charms Audiences But Settles for Box Office Glory
Despite its cultural impact and box office domination, Wicked left the Globes with just one win for Box Office Achievement. It faced stiff competition from Deadpool & Wolverine, but the Broadway adaptation’s immense popularity secured its moment in the spotlight.
Colin Farrell and Tadanobu Asano Shine on the TV Front
Colin Farrell delivered a knockout win for The Penguin, earning accolades for his transformation into Gotham’s notorious Oswald Cobb. Meanwhile, Tadanobu Asano stole the spotlight with his win for Shōgun, delighting the audience with his heartfelt and humble acceptance speech. Introducing himself to the crowd, Asano said, “Maybe you don’t know me. I’m an actor from Japan, and my name is Tadanobu Asano!” His win further solidified Shōgun’s dominance in the drama category, leaving fans excited about the series’ future as he speculated humorously about bringing his character back for Season 2.
‘Shogun’ actor Cosmo Jarvis (far left) celebrates with Golden Globe-winning co-stars Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada and Tadanobu Asano. (Photo: Dan MacMedan, USA Today)
Ali Wong’s Stand-Up Triumph
In the second year of the Stand-Up Special category, Ali Wong’s Single Lady brought the house down, beating heavyweights like Jamie Foxx and even host Nikki Glaser. Wong’s win was a surprise, but Glaser’s cheeky quip about betting on Wong had the audience roaring: “I may not have won, but I made $11,000 tonight!”
Ali Wong poses with her Golden Globe for the best stand-up comedy performance.
An ambiance view of the 82nd Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton, Sunday, Jan 5, 2025.
As the Golden Globes wrapped up, the night’s surprises and heartfelt moments left viewers buzzing. With awards season just heating up, Hollywood can’t wait to see how these wins shape the road to the Oscars.
